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Laser-Induced Carbon Nanofibers as Permeable Nonenzymatic Sensor for Biomarker Detection in Breath Aerosol
No full text: A novel breathable electrochemical enzyme-free sensor made from laser-induced carbon nanofibers embedding Ni nanocatalysts (Ni-LCNFs) is proposed for the capture and detection of biomarkers in breath aerosol. The permeable Ni-LCNF electrodes were fabricated on filter paper where a hydrophobic wax barrier was created to confine the device's working area. The device was tested with aerosolized glucose, which was collected on the porous Ni-LCNF electrode. After a subsequent drying step, 0.1 M NaOH was dropped onto the device, and the electrocatalytic reaction of the captured glucose enabled by a Ni nanocatalyst was monitored via cyclic voltammetry (CV). Taking the oxidation/reduction peak ratios from CV as analytical signals improves the reliability and reproducibility of the glucose measurement. In the measurement step, closing the sensing area with adhesive tape, named closed device, enhances the detection sensitivity and enables the detection limit of 0.71 μM, which is 11.5 and 50 times, respectively, better when compared to the open device configuration. Measurements with simulated glucose aerosols containing clinically relevant glucose levels and comparison to screen-printed electrodes demonstrated the device's superiority for breath analysis. Although in vivo validation studies must be conducted in future work, the proposed device results in a captivating point-of-care device integratable in breathing masks and breath analysis devices
Human brucellosis: Incidence, prevention and strategies for control
No full textBrucellosis is a highly contagious zoonotic infection caused by Gramnegative, facultative intracellular bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella. The main species with moderate-to-significant human pathogenicity are: Brucella melitensis (from sheep and goats), Brucella suis (from pigs), Brucella abortus (from cattle), and Brucella canis (from dogs). The pathogen is primarily transmitted to humans through direct or indirect contact with infected animals or by consuming contaminated food, such as undercooked meat and untreated milk and dairy products (e.g., cheese, butter or ice cream made from raw milk). The infection causes abortion, sterility, or stillbirth in domestic and wild animals, and decreases milk production, resulting in significant economic losses. In humans, it presents a wide spectrum of symptoms, including undulant fever, general malaise, fatigue, muscle pain, arthralgia, orchitis/epididymitis, endocarditis, and meningitis. Human cases are
primarily associated with occupational exposure. Livestock owners, farmers, veterinarians, artificial inseminators, milkers, meat packers or laboratory workers are at higher risk of frequent exposure to the
pathogen.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies brucellosis as one of the most neglected zoonotic diseases. Its incidence is higher in
underdeveloped nations (over 170 countries/regions), with the
Mediterranean region particularly affected. The disease is also known by various names, including Mediterranean flaccid fever, Malta fever, Crimean fever, or Gibraltar fever. Brucellosis remains a significant public health concern, with approximately half a million new human cases reported annually worldwide. In the European Union (EU), according to Directive 2003/99/EC, brucellosis is subject to mandatory surveillance in 25 Member States. Based on the 2022 report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC), there were 198 confirmed cases of illness, resulting in 55 hospitalizations, with a notification rate of 0.04 cases per 100,000 population. This represents a slight increase (29.2%, 0.03% per 100,000 population) compared to 2021. Controlling brucellosis mainly involves education and prevention, as well as personal
hygiene measures and food safety practices. Surveillance, identification and isolation of infected animals are critical for managing prevention, control, and eradication programs.
This chapter examines the recent prevalence of brucellosis, the
pathogenicity of the microorganism as well as the clinical manifestations of the infection in humans. It also describes the methods for detecting the pathogen, outlining appropriate measures to prevent the presence of Brucella spp. in food
Domestic Cat Hepadnavirus Infection in Iberian Lynxes
No full textWe conducted a survey for domestic cat hepadnavirus, an analog of human hepatitis B virus, in the endangered felid species Iberian lynx. Results revealed specific antibodies in 32.3% of serum samples and DNA in 0.5% of available liver samples. Phylogenetically, the virus segregated apart from other Europe strains of the virus
Exploring the relevance of sustainability reporting using a performativity approach. A case study in the Agrifood sector
No full textThe aim of this study is to examine how sustainability reporting contributes to the progression of sustainability initiatives by investigating the factors that influence its adoption and observing how it has evolved over time. This will be achieved through a detailed analysis, focusing on a case study involving a company operating in the agri-food sector. We employ the lens of the performativity approach to scrutinize how impactful narratives and stakeholder responses shape the trajectory and significance of sustainability reporting, influencing the construction of desired realities. This perspective enables researchers to transcend mere technical dimensions and delve into the performative aspects of sustainability reporting practices. By doing so, we uncover the dynamics influencing why organizations adopt and implement sustainability reporting, along with its broader internal and external impacts. In our case, adherence to the complex GRI guidelines has failed to yield the desired impact on key stakeholders. This lack of external success prompted a re-evaluation of sustainability reporting's significance as a value-added effort in shaping external stakeholder perceptions. Instead, our study revealed the necessity to enhance environmental management accounting and internal sustainability measurement processes, which are deemed more effective in advancing sustainability efforts. Furthermore, the study sheds light on how organizational members perceive, assess, endorse, discontinue, and adjust sustainability accounting practices, providing valuable insights into their decision-making processes and actions in this domain
